The United States has intensified its accusations against Russia, alleging that Moscow is funding both warring factions in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict.
At a United Nations (UN) meeting on Monday, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that Russia’s actions were aimed at advancing its political objectives by supporting both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been engaged in violent clashes since April 2023.
The war in Sudan erupted amid a power struggle between the SAF and RSF, exacerbating the country’s political instability ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule. This conflict has triggered what the UN has described as the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis, with millions of Sudanese fleeing their homes in search of safety and basic resources.
In November, Russia vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that called on the warring parties to immediately cease hostilities and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. The remaining 14 council members voted in favor of the text.
During the UN meeting, Thomas-Greenfield stated, “Russia chose obstruction: standing alone as it voted to imperil civilians, while funding both sides of the conflict – yes, that’s what I said: both sides.” She mentioned this to the council on Monday, without giving further details.
When asked to elaborate, a spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said Washington was aware of Russia’s “ongoing interest in Sudan’s gold trade” and condemns any material support for the warring parties – “whether it be through illicit gold trading or the provision of military equipment.”
“We believe Sudanese authorities’ gold mining cooperation with sanctioned Russian entities and individuals could prove inimical to Sudan’s long-term interests and the aspirations of the Sudanese people for an end to the war,” the US mission to the UN spokesperson said.
In response, Russia’s Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy rejected the US claims, accusing America of using a biased and self-serving lens to judge other world powers. “It’s obvious that in the Pax Americana, which our American colleagues try to preserve at any price, relations with other countries are built only on their exploitation and criminal schemes aimed at US enrichment,” Polyanskiy said.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also denied the allegations in December, dismissing them as “fabrications spread by Western countries and their media.” He further rejected the notion that Russia was attempting to play both sides in the Sudanese conflict to gain an advantage.
Monday’s meeting was an emotional one for Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, who expressed disappointment over the international community’s limited action in addressing the Sudan crisis. As she nears the end of her tenure, she told her counterparts, “For all the disappointment that I couldn’t do more, that we – all of us – didn’t do more – I still remain hopeful. Hopeful that the representatives sitting around this table – the colleagues who have become friends – will continue this sacred mission, this ultimate responsibility.”
Thomas-Greenfield, appointed by President Joe Biden, is set to be succeeded by Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
As the conflict continues to devastate Sudan, the international community remains divided on how to address the crisis. While the US seeks to hold Russia accountable for its alleged role in fueling the war, Russia maintains its position of denial. The ongoing tensions at the UN underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics that influence conflicts such as Sudan’s, where outside powers often have their own strategic interests at stake.
Melissa Enoch
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